Second body pulled from freezing sea after getting into difficulty off UK coast as search continues for third person
Rescue teams are said to be battling huge waves and ‘bitter’ weather conditions on the search for a third missing person
A PENSIONER has tragically died and a second body has been recovered after getting into difficulty in “horrendous” conditions in the sea.
Rescue crews launched a major operation after they disappeared in the water near Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, yesterday afternoon.
Cops confirmed late on Friday searches are continuing into the night for one more person in the water.
A police spokesperson said in a statement: “We can now confirm that earlier this evening a second body was recovered from the sea. The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.
“Humberside Police officers along with HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire & Rescue, remain in the area as searches continue for one more person who entered the water this afternoon.
“We continue to ask that people avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”
Reports of swimmers “in difficulty” off the coast of the popular seaside town were received just after 3pm.
RNLI crews, Humberside Police, the Ambulance Service and Fire and Rescue crews all rushed to Central Promenade.
Rescue teams could be seen battling “three-metre waves” and fading daylight in “bitter” conditions off the east coast.
But issuing a tragic update this evening, Humberside Police has now confirmed the death of both of the missing people.
The force announced the first death earlier this afternoon saying: “Officers were called to attend Central Promenade in Withernsea following reports of concern for safety for people in the water at around 3.15pm.
“Alongside HM Coastguard, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Humberside Fire & Rescue, officers were immediately deployed to the area.
“During the initial searches, emergency services recovered an unconscious man from the water.
“Despite the best efforts we can confirm a 67-year-old man died a short time later at the scene.
“The circumstances around his death are not thought to be suspicious.
“Searches are still ongoing. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as the search continues.
“We would ask people to please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently and safely.”
HM Coastguards had earlier confirmed two people were missing – more than five hours after calls were first received by emergency crews.
Writing on Facebook, Hornsea Inshore Rescue told how conditions in the sea were “horrendous”, causing difficulty getting lifeboats to the scene.
The service said: “Called out, unable to launch lifeboat due to horrendous conditions…
“… three metre waves breaking on our slipway which would knock the tractor and trailer sideways off the ramp.
“Our 4×4 vehicle on route to Withernsea with casualty care crew.”
Local Darrin Stevens described weather conditions in the area as “bitter” and “freezing”.
Speaking on the search, he told the BBC: “It’s just blue lights, wall-to-wall from one side to the other.
“It’s not a good place to be in the sea.”
The Yorkshire Ambulance service previously said four people were believed to still be in the water.
A spokesperson told HullLive: “Yorkshire Ambulance is still on the scene.
“It’s believed to be four people in the water. We still have a presence on scene along with all the other resources.
“We’ve got mountain rescue, ambulances and tactical commanders from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Fire & Rescue and Police all there.”
Coastguard crews confirmed a helicopter, plane and lifeboats had been called to assist with the search.
The service said: “HM Coastguard is responding to reports made at about 3.10pm of a number of people in difficulty in the water at Withernsea.
“A search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Withernsea, Hornsea and Hull.
“The RNLI‘s inshore lifeboat from Withernsea and all-weather lifeboat from Bridlington are assisting, as well as Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
“Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been sent as well as an air ambulance.
“Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue are also in attendance.”
Humberside Fire and Rescue called on locals and visitors to avoid the popular beach.
A spokesperson said: “There are emergency vehicles around the central promenade area of Withernsea.
“We ask if people can avoid this area if at all possible and to take care because emergency vehicles will be moving in the area.”
Nearby hotel The Alexandra is reportedly offering free drinks and shelter to first responders at the scene.
It comes as an arctic freeze looks set to chill the UK for up to a week – with daytime temperatures dropping below 0C.
It will be a brisk start to the new year with several amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice issued over the coming days.
The Met Office has warned that cold arctic air now covers most of the UK, with temperatures well below average.
Frost and ice will blanket the country and an increased risk of snowshowers is now expected.
It comes just days after a dad in his 50s tragically died whilst swimming in the sea on New Year’s Day.
The swimmer died at the scene after getting into difficulty in the water near Brighton, East Sussex.
And in a tragic turn of events on Christmas Day, two men went missing after a festive dip went horrifically wrong.
Matthew Upham, 63, is feared dead after he disappeared whilst trying to save his friend.
The antiques dealer was participating in the annual festive dip which saw several swimmers pulled from the water due to terrible conditions.
Huge waves and high winds left emergency crews scrambling to save terrified swimmers from being dragged under the waterline.
